Portable air sampler

ABSTRACT

An air sampling device and method of sampling air. The device has a housing body and a retaining assembly for a sampling device. A plenum has a top end coupled to the housing body about an opening such that the plenum is in flow communication with the opening and receives air flow generally from the top end to the bottom end generally along the longitudinal length thereof. A flow connection is coupled to the bottom end of the plenum. A mass flow meter has an input coupled to the flow connection and is in flow communication with the plenum via the flow connection. A blower is configured to draw air past the sampling device, through the opening, and through the plenum, such that a measuring portion of the air flows through the flow connection and through the mass flow meter, which measured the flow rate of the measuring portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Related Applications

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No.15/243,403, filed Aug. 22, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. DesignApplication No. 29/574,405, filed Aug. 15, 2016, which claims priorityto provisional Application No. 62/375,274, filed Aug. 15, 2016. Thisapplication also claims priority to provisional Application No.62/627,502, filed Feb. 7, 2018. The entire contents of thoseapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device and method for collecting andanalyzing air samples in a controlled, indoor environment. Inparticular, the present invention relates to devices and methods forcollecting, processing, and analyzing air samples in clean rooms andremotely monitoring, logging, and controlling the sampling device.

Background of the Related Art

Controlled environments such as hooded areas and clean rooms(collectively referred to as “clean rooms”) found in manufacturing,research, and other facilities are typically classified into two broadcategories based on the static air pressure inside the rooms relative toatmospheric pressure and/or based on the air pressure in spaces adjacentthe clean rooms. A positive air pressure room is maintained at anabsolute air pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, greater thanthe air pressure in spaces adjacent the clean room, or both. Thepositive air pressure in such rooms is provided by pumping filteredand/or conditioned air into the rooms and controlling the flow of airout of the rooms. The adjacent spaces, which may be manufacturingfacilities or offices, are typically maintained at or close toatmospheric pressure by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC) systems, or by providing an opening to the environment thatallows the adjacent spaces to equilibrate with atmospheric pressure.Thus, air flowing from the positive pressure clean room will flow towardthe lower pressure in adjacent rooms or to the atmosphere.

When a positive air pressure clean room is breached, air flowing toadjacent spaces or the atmosphere is generally not a problem as long asairborne contaminants present in the clean room do not pose a potentialadverse health effect to people in the adjacent spaces. Typically, theair inside clean rooms in which electronics, aerospace hardware, opticalsystems, military equipment, and defense-related research aremanufactured or conducted may not contain airborne gases, vapors, andparticulate matter at concentrations that present a safety or healthconcern to human health or the environment. However, that is not alwaysthe case, as other operations within those industries may generatecontaminants that are above acceptable levels and, therefore, must beprevented from escaping the clean room without treatment.

A negative air pressure room is maintained at an absolute air pressurethat is either less than atmospheric pressure, less than the airpressure in spaces adjacent the clean room, or both. The negativepressure is maintained by pumping air out of the room at a rate fasterthan that at which filtered and/or conditioned air is pumped into theroom. Negative pressure rooms are often used when there is a concernthat contaminants in the air in the room may pose a potential healththreat to human health in adjacent spaces or the environment.

Notwithstanding the human health and environmental implications, certaintypes of manufacturing and research operations must be conducted withina positive air pressure clean room to satisfy regulatory requirementsand industry-adopted good manufacturing and laboratory quality controlstandards. For example, state and federal regulations, including thosepromulgated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH), may necessitate the use of positive or negative pressure cleanrooms.

In particular, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires thatpharmaceutical production be done within the confines of clean roomsthat provide for the validation and certification that manufacturedbatches of pharmaceutical products are being produced in a sanitaryenvironment.

Various FDA regulations and standards also specify requirements for airsampling and/or air monitoring equipment to be used inside clean roomsto verify or validate the cleanliness of the facility during certaindrug manufacturing activities. The regulations also provide forelectronic data recording, accuracy, precision, and record-keepingrelating to monitoring the air quality within clean rooms. Similarrequirements are imposed on other industries, such as the biotechnologyindustry.

A number of patents and published applications teach systems for airsampling and monitoring in clean rooms and for monitoring andcontrolling one or more air sampling devices from a central location,such as for instance U.S. Pat. Nos. 9285,792, 9063040, 9046453, and U.S.Pat. Publication No. 2016/0061796.

In addition, the Assignee Veltek Associates Inc. offers the portablesampling device shown in FIG. 8 . As shown, air is drawn in through anatrium 50, across an agar media plate 52, and through an opening 54 atthe bottom of the atrium rest. After passing through the hole 54, theair is drawn through a large fan 56 and exhausted through the body ofthe unit across the electronics and out of the bottom 58. The device isconfigured to operate at a constant fan speed that is proportional tothe desired flow rate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An air sampling device samples air in a controlled environment. Thedevice includes a housing body having a top and a side. An opening islocated at the top of the housing body. A retaining assembly retains asampling device and atrium. The retaining assembly is located at the topof the housing body about the opening. A plenum has a top end and abottom end, with the top end coupled to the top of the housing bodyabout the opening so that the plenum is in flow communication with theopening. A mass flow meter has an input and an output, with the inputcoupled to the bottom end of the plenum and in flow communication withthe bottom end of the plenum. A blower is located inside the plenum andis configured to draw air past the sampling device, through the opening,through the plenum, and through the mass flow meter. The mass flow meterdetects a flow rate of air through the mass flow meter. And a controllerreceives the detected flow rate from the mass flow meter and controls aspeed of the blower in response to the detected flow rate. Thecontroller increases the speed of the blower if the detected flow rateis lower than a desired flow rate, and decreases the speed of the blowerif the detected flow rate is higher than a desired flow rate.

An air sampling device for sampling air that comprises a housing bodythat has a top, a side, and an opening at the top; a retaining assemblyconfigured to retain a sampling device, wherein the retaining assemblymay be located at the top of the housing body about the opening; aplenum that has a top end, a bottom end, and a longitudinal lengthdefined therebetween, wherein the top end may be coupled to the housingbody about the opening such that the plenum is in flow communicationwith the opening, and the plenum may be configured for receiving airflow generally from the top end to the bottom end generally along thelongitudinal length; a flow connection may be coupled to the bottom endof the plenum; a mass flow meter that has an input and an output,wherein the input may be coupled to the flow connection, and the massflow meter may be in flow communication with the plenum via the flowconnection; and a blower in association with the plenum. The blower maybe configured to draw air past the sampling device, through the opening,and through the plenum, such that a measuring portion of the air in theplenum flows through the flow connection and through the mass flowmeter, wherein the mass flow meter is configured to measure the flowrate of the measuring portion of the air drawn through the flowconnection.

A method for sampling air, comprising to step of drawing air across amedia plate located at an outside of a housing body and through a plenuminside of the housing body; diverting a measuring portion of the air inthe plenum to a mass flow meter wherein the measuring portion of the airis proportional to the air in the plenum; and measuring at the mass flowmeter, a detected flow rate of the measuring portion of the air. Themethod may further comprise the step of comparing the detected flow rateof the measuring portion of the air to a desired flow rate; controllingthe speed of the flow of the air through the plenum based on thecomparison between the detected flow rate and the desired flow rate;increasing the speed of the flow of the air of the detected flow rate iflower than the desired flow rate or decreasing the speed of the flow ofair of the detected flow rate if higher than the desired flow rate. Incertain embodiments, a flow connection may be coupled to the plenumwhich diverts the measuring portion of the air to the mass flow meter;and/or the method may further comprising step of exhausting the airthrough an exhaust in the housing body remote from the flow connection.

These and other objects of the invention, as well as many of theintended advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent whenreference is made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing a bottomperspective external view of the air sampling device;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing an internalcross-sectional view of the air sampling device;

FIG. 3A is an exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing an internalcross-sectional view of the upper chamber of the air sampling device,showing air entering the device;

FIG. 3B is an exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing an internalcross-sectional view of the upper chamber of the air sampling device,showing air impinging on the media plate;

FIG. 3C is an exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing an internalcross-sectional view of the upper chamber of the air sampling device,showing air moving past the fan, the mass flow meter, and exiting thedevice through ventilation slots;

FIG. 3D is an exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing an internalcross-sectional view of the upper chamber of the air sampling device,showing air moving past the fan, the mass flow meter, and exiting thedevice through the exhaust port;

FIG. 4A is an exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing a topexternal perspective view of the air sampling device;

FIG. 4B is an exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing an explodedtop external perspective view of the air sampling device;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the retaining assembly;

FIG. 6A is a top view of the device showing the atrium and media plateretaining assembly in an inner position;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the device showing the atrium and media plateretaining assembly in an outer position;

FIG. 7A shows the device in a vertical position and installed on atripod;

FIG. 7B shows the device in a horizontal position and installed on atripod;

FIG. 8 is a conventional sampling device;

FIG. 9 is another exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing aninternal cross-sectional view of the air sampling device; and

FIG. 10 is an internal cross-sectional view of the upper chamber of theair sampling device illustrated in FIG. 9 , showing air entering thedevice, impinging on the media plate, moving through the plenum and pastthe fan to the mass flow meter via a flow connection, and exiting thedevice through an exhaust.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in thedrawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake ofclarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to thespecific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that eachspecific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in similarmanner to accomplish a similar purpose. Several preferred embodiments ofthe invention are described for illustrative purposes, it beingunderstood that the invention may be embodied in other forms notspecifically shown in the drawings.

FIGS. 1-2 show an exemplary embodiment of the air sampling device 100 ofthe invention. The device 100 is portable so it can be carried andplaced at various locations within a controlled environment. As usedherein, “air” refers generically to any and all gases, vapors, andparticulates, and is not intended to limit the invention to particulartypes. The air sampling device 100 is especially useful to test formicroscopic particulates in a clean room. The device 100 generallyincludes a sampler housing unit and a main body or housing 102. Thesampler housing unit 110 can be any suitable device, such as a cover. Inthe embodiment shown is a Sterilizable Microbial Atrium (SMA) 110 thatcovers a media plate 114 that samples particulates in an air flow andcan be autoclaved or otherwise sterilized. The atrium 110 protects themedia plate 114, but allows air to flow through the atrium 110 tocontact the media plate 114. The atrium 110 can be sterilized by heat orsteam, and can be autoclaved. The sampling device 100 is configured foruse in a clean environment such as a clean room.

The housing 102 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an upper body120 and a lower body 130. As best shown in FIG. 2 , the upper body 120defines an upper interior space or upper chamber 210 that houses ablower assembly 500, and the lower body 130 defines a lower interiorspace or lower chamber 250 that houses certain electronic components300. A wall or partition 125 separates the upper chamber 210 from thelower chamber 250. The entire main housing 102 is a single integralmember. A handle 80 (FIG. 2 ) can be provided to carry the portabledevice 100. As shown, the handle 80 can connect from the bottom of theupper housing body 120 to the bottom of the lower housing body 130.

Upper and Lower Chambers 210, 250

The upper chamber 210 has a top 212 (FIGS. 4A, 4B), front (FIGS. 4A,4B), rear (FIG. 1 ), and opposing sides that join the front and therear. As best shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, the top 212 of the upper chamber210 removably couples to the atrium 110. Returning to FIGS. 1, 2 , anelongated ventilation slot 121 and a support stand 122 are positioned atthe rear of the upper chamber 210. The support stand 122 is an elongatedmember that receives a screw to fasten the stand 122 to the upperchamber 210. The stand 122 can be elongated and is configured to allowthe device 100 to be level when in the substantially horizontalposition, and to prevent the device 100 from inadvertently rolling ortipping to one side. In addition, a fastening mechanism such as anopening can be provided on the rear of the device 100 that is configuredto mate with a tripod (FIG. 7B) to allow the air sampling device 100 tostand in a horizontal configuration. The fastening mechanism can be athreaded opening that threadably mates with a screw of the tripod.

The lower chamber 250 has a controller access panel 131, a plurality ofvertical supports 132, and a vertical tripod receiver 133 (FIG. 7A). Theaccess panel 131 provides access to the controller and may also providean access point for a USB slot, and or a battery. The plurality ofvertical supports 132 are situated along the bottom of the air samplingdevice 100 such that it is stable when free-standing. The verticalsupports 132 may be coated with a high-friction material like rubber ora similar synthetic polymer in order to present the air sampling device100 from sliding along a surface. The vertical tripod receiver 133 isconfigured to mate with a tripod (not shown) to allow the air samplingdevice 100 to stand in a vertical configuration. In certain embodiments,the vertical tripod receiver 133 is threaded, such that it will screwinto the tripod. Thus, the device 100 can either stand vertically onsupports 132 or be threaded to a tripod by the receiver 133. The device100 can also stand horizontally on support stand 122, or be threaded toa tripod by a threaded receiver.

Retaining Assembly 400

Turning to FIG. 4B, a receiving or retaining assembly 400 is provided atthe top 212 of the upper chamber (which is also the top of the samplingdevice 100). The retaining assembly 400 is fitted to a depressed sectionof the top 212 having a side wall 218 and a bottom. One or moreprojections 113 are formed in the side wall 218. As best shown in FIG. 5, the retaining assembly 400 is shown having a central securing member430, a top plate or disk 420, and a bottom or bottom plate 402, and oneor more clips 410.

The bottom plate 402 has one or more curved elongated grooves or bottomchannels 406 that are formed as slots in the bottom plate 402. Thebottom plate 402 is fixed at the top 212 of the housing 102. The topplate 420 has one or more curved elongated grooves or top channels 422that are formed as slots in the top plate 420. The top plate 420 canrotate with respect to the bottom plate 402, which remains fixed to thehousing 102. One or more handles 426 can be provided on the top surfaceof the top plate 420. The handles 426 extend upward from the top surfaceof the top plate 420, so that the user can grip or push on one or more(two in the embodiment of FIG. 5 ) of the handles 426 to rotate the topplate 420. Each one of the top channels 422 is aligned with and overlapwith a respective one of the bottom channels 406; however the topchannels 422 are flipped in orientation with respect to the bottomchannels 406, as best shown in FIG. 6A, to form a Longworth chuckconfiguration. The channels 406, 422 are each a curved arc that togetherform a spiral-like shape. Small plastic or silicon bumpers canoptionally be provided on the clip 410 that grip the agar plate 114 sothat the plate 114 is compressed between the clips 410. The compressionholds the agar plate 114 in position even when the device 100 ishorizontal or inverted.

A clip 410 is positioned in each of the respective top and bottomchannels 422, 406. The clip 410 has a bottom and a side formedperpendicular to the bottom to generally form an L-shape. A peg orsupport member 412 extends outward from the bottom of the clip 410. Thesupport 412 has a neck and a head that forms an inverted T-shape, withthe neck extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the clip410 and the head is substantially perpendicular to the neck and parallelto the bottom of the clip 410. The neck of the support 412 extendsthrough the top channel 422 and through the bottom channel 406. The headof the support 412 is wide and is positioned on the bottom side of thebottom channel 406. That locks the top plate 420 to the bottom plate 402and also locks each clip 410 to the housing 102 and to a respective pairof bottom and top channels 406, 422. It is noted, however, that the headof the support member 412 need not sit on the opposite side of thebottom plate 402 and need not lock the plates 402, 420. Instead, thehead of the support member 412 can just be received in the bottomchannel 406 without extending through the bottom channel 406, so thatthe head can slide within the bottom channel 406.

As illustrated, the bottom and top channels 406, 422 extend slightlyoutward from the center so that the clip 410 moves toward and away fromthe center as the clip 410 slides left /right within the channels 406,422. Each channel 406, 422 has an innermost position (closest to thecentral opening 119) and an outermost position (furthest from thecentral opening 119). As the clips 410 move in the channels 406, 422,the clips 410 continue to face in the same direction. That is, the sideof the clip 410 faces the center and is substantially concentric (orparallel) to the central opening 119. As the top plate 420 rotates, allof the clips 410 move together simultaneously within their respectivechannels and are equidistant from the central opening 119. This providesa desired minimum and maximum diameter for the clips 410. Referring toFIG. 6A, the clips 410 are shown at an inner position where the clips410 are situated in the innermost position of the respective channels406, 422. In FIG. 6B, the clips 410 are shown at the outer positionwhere the clips 410 are situated in the outermost position of therespective channels 406, 422. The clips 410 are moved between the innerand outer positions by rotating the top plate 420 with respect to thebottom plate 402. In one embodiment, the inner position can provide adiameter of 85 mm, and the outer position can provide a diameter ofabout 100 mm, which are common sizes for media plates.

The securing member 430 has a neck 432, wide head 434, and isring-shaped to form a central opening 436. The bottom plate 402 and topplate 420 each have a respective central opening 404, 424. The plates402, 420 are circular, and form a donut-shape with the central openings404, 424. The bottom central opening 404 can be internally threaded. Theneck 432 of the securing member 430 can be externally threaded to matewith the threaded central bottom opening 404.

The neck 432 extends through the top plate central opening 424 andthreadably engages the bottom plate central opening 404, thereby lockingthe top plate 420 to the bottom plate 402, but allowing the top plate420 to rotate with respect to the bottom plate 402. However, thesecuring member 430 sufficiently compresses the head of the supportmember 412 between the top plate 420 and the bottom plate 402 to provideenough friction so that the clips 410 stay in the position set by theuser and grip the agar plate 114 without inadvertently sliding in thechannels 406, 422 and thereby being locked in position. The securingmember 430 can be curved to be ergonomic and tapered inward tofacilitate the flow of air into the central opening 119 that extendsthrough the securing member central opening 436, top plate centralopening 424, and bottom plate central opening 404.

As further shown in FIG. 4B, a test or sampling device such as a Petridish or Agar media plate 114 is provided having a test medium containedtherein. The media plate 114 is placed on the bottom portion of theclips 410. The clips 410 hold the media plate 114 in place. The clips410 slide in/out in the grooves 406, 422 so that the dish 114 snuglyfits between the clips 410 and does not inadvertently come free from theclips 410, such as when the device 100 is turned horizontally. The mediaplate 114 can, for example, contain agar media that is designed tocapture particulates in the air entering the device 100. The capturedparticulates can then be analyzed.

Thus, the adjustable clips 410 are configured to slide inwardly andoutwardly along the diameter of the base of the atrium 110 toaccommodate agar media plates 114 of varying diameters. Once thediameter is adjusted to match that of the agar media plate 114, the pegs414 of the adjustable clips 410 can be moved from an unlocked positionto a locked position, securing the agar media plate 114. The pegs 414are positioned such that they grab the outer edge of the agar mediaplate 114. The pegs 414 each have a slight angle which, when the pegs414 are positioned at roughly the diameter of the plate, causes aninward force against the walls of the agar media plate 114, securing it.Thus, the media plate 114 is press fit into the clips and is retained bythe pegs 414.

Atrium 110

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4A, 4B, the atrium 110 is removably coupled to thetop 212 of the sampling device 100 and is in direct air flowcommunication with the upper chamber 210. The atrium 110 has a coverplate 111 with a flat top and downwardly extending sides that are widerthan the clips 410. A plurality of openings 112 are formed in the top ofthe cover plate 111. Referring to FIG. 4B, one or more locking slots orchannels 112 are formed in the side of the cover plate 111. Each of thelocking channels 112 is aligned with a respective projection 113 on theside wall 218 of the receiving portion 216. The locking channel 112 hasa vertical portion and a horizontal portion.

To attach the atrium 110 to the housing 102, the user places the atrium110 over the top of the media plate 114 so that the projection 113enters the vertical portion of the locking channel 112. Once theprojection is fully received in the vertical portion of the lockingchannel 112, the user can rotate the atrium 110 so that the projection113 enters the horizontal portion of the locking channel 112, therebyremovably locking the atrium 110 to the main housing 102 (FIG. 4A). Theentire device 100 can be placed horizontally and the atrium 110 willcontinue to be fixed to the top 212 of the main housing 102. The usercan remove the atrium 110 by twisting the atrium 110 and pullingoutward, so that the projection slides out along the horizontal portionand then pulls out from the vertical portion of the locking channel 112.

Blower Assembly 500

Referring to FIG. 2 , a blower assembly 500 is provided in the upperchamber 210 of the air sampling device 100. The blower assembly 500 hasa blower housing 502 and a fan 504. The blower housing 502 is a plenumthat conveys air. The plenum 502 has at least one wall and in theembodiment of FIG. 2 is cylindrical in the form of a tube with two openends. The blower housing 502 can be a single integral device, ormultiple separate discrete housings that are coupled together by lips503, 505 extending outward at the end of each respective housing. Thusthe top lip 503 of the first housing can be coupled to the top 112 ofthe housing 102, and the bottom lip 503 of the first housing can becoupled to the top lip 505 of the second housing, as shown. The bottomlip 505 of the second housing can be coupled to the mass flow detectoror detector adapter. A gasket can optionally be provided between thelips 503, 505 and the respective connections to provide an airtight sealtherebetween so air does not leak out of the plenum 502. Thus, theplenum 502 has a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end. The topend of the plenum 502 is coupled to the top of the housing 102 about thecentral opening 119, so that the plenum 502 is in air flow communicationwith the retaining assembly 400 and atrium 110. The plenum 502 issubstantially the same size as the central opening 119, and perhapsslightly larger. Thus, the fan 504 to pull air directly through theatrium 110 and retaining assembly 400 via the central opening 119.

A fan 504 is located inside the plenum 502. The fan 504 has a centersupport rod and fan blades 506. The center rod has a longitudinal axisthat extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of thesampling device 100. The fan blades 506 extend outward from the centerrod and are configured to draw air down (in the embodiment of FIG. 2 ,when the sampling device 100 is standing vertical or upright) throughthe plenum 502. The upper chamber 210 is sized and shaped to accommodateand match standard sized and shaped agar media plates 114, as well asthe electronic components in the bottom chamber 250.

Thus, the blower assembly 500 is elongated and has a longitudinal axisthat is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sampling device 100.Accordingly, the longitudinal axis of the blower assembly 500 (includingthe fan 504 and plenum 502) is vertical when the sampling device 100 isvertical (FIG. 7A), and is horizontal when the sampling 100 device ishorizontal (FIG. 7B). The plenum 502 and fan 504 can be smaller than themedia plate 114 to create an air flow through the atrium 111 thatprovides reliable test results for the media plate 114. As shown, theplenum 502 and fan 504 can be about half the size of the media plate114, and is centrally located with respect to the media plate 114.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , an alternative blower assembly 500′ isshown according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Theblower assembly 500′ of this embodiment is similar to the blowerassembly 500 of the above embodiment, except that a flow connection 900is added to connect the blower assembly 500′ to a mass flow meter 600′such that the mass flow meter 600′ is in flow communication with blowerassembly 500′ via flow connection 900. The blower assembly 500′ has aplenum 502′ and a blower or fan 504′ in association with plenum 502′.Like plenum 502 of the above embodiment, plenum 502′ of this embodimentcan be a single integral device or multiple separate discrete housingsthat are coupled together. The plenum 502′ may have a top end 503′, abottom end 505′, and a longitudinal side or length 507′ definedtherebetween. The longitudinal length 507′ is preferably generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the sampling device 100. As such,the longitudinal length 507′ of plenum 502′ may be vertical when thesampling device 100 is vertical or horizontal when the sampling 100device is horizontal. The top end 503′, which may have a lip, can becoupled to the top 112 of the housing 102 and the bottom end 505′, whichmay have a lip, can be coupled to the mass flow meter via the flowconnection 900. Plenum 502′ is configured to receive air from theretaining assembly 400 and atrium 110 through its top end 503′ andgenerally along its longitudinal length 507′. Fan 504′ may operateinside of plenum 502′ to pull air directly through the atrium 110 andretaining assembly 400 via the central opening 119.

Flow connection 900 is preferably a conduit arranged between plenum 502′and the mass flow meter 600′. The flow connection 900 has a centralopening and is airtight, and for example can be a flexible plastic tubeor plenum. The flow connection 900 can have any shape such as circularor square, though preferably has a circular cross-section and a circularcentral opening. Flow connection 900 is configured to divert a portionor percentage of the air flowing through the blower assembly 500′,namely a measuring portion of the air, to be measured by the mass flowmeter 600′. The measuring portion of the air is proportional to the airflowing through the blower assembly 500′. Total flow through the plenumis proportional to the ratio of the cross-sectional area between flowconnection 900 and the cross-sectional area of plenum end 505, i.e. thecross-sectional area of the plenum 502 at the end of the flow connection900 or at any location where the flow connection 900 is connected withor positioned with respect to the plenum 502. Output from the mass flowmeter is a voltage that is proportional to the flow through the meter,that voltage is electronically converted into a digital value and scaledto the desired units for display.

Flow connection 900 generally has a receiving end 902 adapted to couplewith the bottom end 505′ of plenum 502′, an opposite exit end 904adapted to couple with the mass flow meter 600′, and a conduit body 906therebetween. The receiving end 902 may be mounted about or extendthrough a hole in the plenum’s bottom end 505′, for example, to connectthe flow connection 900 thereto such that the plenum 502′ is in fluid(i.e., flow) communication with conduit body 906. The conduit body 906may be shaped, e.g. a generally U-shape, such that the receiving andexit ends 902 and 904 are generally at the same height in the housingbody, that is the ends are generally aligned with respect to an axistransverse to the longitudinal length 507′ of plenum 502′. Exit end 904may also be mounted to the bottom end 505′ of plenum 502′ such that itis adjacent plenum 502′ and remote from, i.e. not near or adjacent to,the exhaust 121 in the housing. In a preferred embodiment, at least oneportion 908 of the conduit body 906 extends below the plenum’s bottomend 505′ in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal length507′ of the plenum 502′. Alternatively, the exit end 904 may bepositioned near exhaust 121.

The flow connection 900 is elongated and has a longitudinal axis. In onenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal axis at thereceiving end 902 can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axisof the plenum 502′. In this manner, and as best shown in FIG. 10 , atleast a portion of the air flow exiting the plenum 502′ at the bottomend 505′ continues straight into the central opening of the flowconnection 900 without any obstruction, and the remaining air flowexiting the plenum 502′ continues out through the exhaust 121 or port,as before. That enables the flow connection 900 to get a true andreliable reading of the flow rate through the plenum 502′. The flowconnection 900 can have a bend, if needed to fit the mass flow meter600′ in the interior space of the upper chamber 210. Though the flowconnection 900 is shown as having a U-shape, any suitable shape can beprovided, including that the body 906 be straight without any bend. Inaddition, in one embodiment, the flow connection 900 can be positionedat the outer perimeter of the plenum 502′ just at the lower edge of thebottom end 505′ of the plenum 502′ (i.e., just inside the side wall ofthe plenum 502′). However, the flow connection 900 can be positioned atany suitable location at the opening of the plenum 502′, including forexample inside the plenum 502′ or inset closer toward the center of theplenum 502′. In addition, though only a single flow connection 900 andmass flow meter 600′ is shown, more than one flow connection 900 and/ormass flow meter 600′ can be provided.

Mass Flow Meter 600

A mass flow meter 600 is also located in the upper chamber 210, and ispositioned immediately and directly below the blower assembly 500. Themass flow meter has an input 602 at a top end and an output 604 at abottom end. The input 602 is coupled to the bottom open end of theplenum 502 and is in unobstructed air communication with the plenum 502.Thus, the mass flow meter 600 directly receives the air flow passingthrough the plenum 502. If the bottom end of the plenum 502 is largerthan the input 602 of the mass flow meter 600, an adapter 603 canoptionally be provided to maintain an airtight seal between the bottomof the plenum 502 and the input 602 of the mass flow meter 600, asshown.

The mass flow meter 600 measures the rate of air flow coming into thesampling device 100 through the atrium 110, striking the media plate114, through the plenum 502, and into the input 602. Once air exits theoutput 604 of the mass flow meter 600, it enters the upper chamber 210and exits via the vent 121 in the housing 102.

As shown, the upper chamber 210 contains an operator display and/orcontrol panel 302, the blower assembly 500 and the mass flow meter 600.The control panel 302 is an electronic touch display that enables theuser to control operation of the sampling device 100. The control panel302 is affixed to the housing 102 and can optionally extend into theupper chamber 210, for example. However, the control panel 302 forms anair and/or liquid tight seal with the housing 102 so that air does notleak out of the upper chamber 210.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 , an alternative mass flow meter 600′ inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown.Mass flow meter 600′ is coupled to the exit end 904 of flow connection900 and may be located anywhere in upper chamber 210. In a preferredembodiment, mass flow meter 600′ is positioned near or adjacent toplenum 502′ and remote from, i.e. not near or adjacent to, the exhaust121 of the device. Alternatively, mass flow meter 600′ may be positionednear exhaust 121. Mass flow meter 600′ has an input 602′ and an output604′. The input 602′ is configured to couple to exit end 904 of flowconnection 900, thereby providing flow communication with plenum 502′.Thus, air flows through plenum 502′, then through flow connection 900,and into the input 602′ of mass flow meter 600′.

Similar to mass flow meter 600 of the above embodiment, mass flow meter600′ measures the rate of air flow. In this embodiment, mass flow meter600′ measures the rate of flow of the measured portion of the air comingthrough flow connection 900. Because the measured portion of the air isproportional to the air coming through the device, i.e. into the atrium110, striking the media plate 114, through the plenum 502′, the detectedrate of flow of the measuring portion of the air by mass flow meter 600′represents the rate of flow of the air coming through the samplingdevice 100. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, output fromthe mass flow meter is a voltage that is proportional to the flowthrough the meter. That voltage is electronically converted into adigital value and scaled to the desired units for display. Once themeasuring portion of the air exits the output 604′ of the mass flowmeter 600′, it enters the upper chamber 210 and exits via the exhaust121 in the housing 102.

Electronic Component Assembly 300

All other electronic components 300 (besides the control panel 302,blower assembly 500 and mass flow meter 600) are contained in the lowerchamber 250. That provides stability to the sampling device 100 andreduces the width / diameter of the sampling device 100. The electroniccomponent assembly 300 can include, for example, a controller 304, powersupply (batteries), and a motor 306. In certain embodiments, thecontroller may be a computer or processing device such as a processor orASIC. The controller 304 operates the fan 504, mass flow meter 600, andcontrol panel 302. It receives 304 operator control signals from thecontrol panel 302, such as to start and stop test, set test parameters(time, flow rate, etc.). The controller 304 also displays informationabout operation of the sampling device 100 on the control panel 302,such as flow rate, testing time, and remaining test time. The controller304 can also communicate with remote devices, such as controllers 304 inother sampling device 100 or a personal computer, network or smartphone, either by hard wire or wirelessly.

Thus, the controller 304 runs the fan 504 and the mass flow meter 600 ofthe air sampling device 100. When the sampling process is engaged, thesystem attempts to generate the desired flow rate. The mass flow meter600 continually reports the instantaneous flow rate through the systemto the controller 304. The controller 304 evaluates whether the measuredflow rate is equal to the desired flow rate (usually 1 cfm). Thedifference between the desired flow rate and the measured flow rate isknown as the error. If the desired flow rate is greater than themeasured flow rate, the controller 304 will increase the frequency offan 504 revolutions to generate a higher flow rate. If the desired flowrate is less than the measured flow rate, the controller 304 willdecrease the frequency of the fan 504 revolutions to generate a smallerflow rate. This process may be repeated continuously (many times persecond or nonstop) or at regular intervals. The process of evaluating asystem’s output and modifying the systems input provides a closed-loopcontrol. A proportional-integral-differential (“PID”) control algorithmis used by the controller 304 to minimize and maintain a low systemerror. The air sampling device 100 preferably uses this control methodto adjust the fan speed based on the instantaneous flow rate.Accordingly, controller 304 controls the fan 504 speed in real timewithout delay or manual interaction, based on the real time feedbackprovided by the mass flow meter 600.

In one exemplary embodiment, the controller 304 can be networked andconnected to the Internet via TCP/IP networking using IEEE 802.3(wired), IEEE 802.11 (wireless), and IEEE 802.15.4 (wireless forBluetooth) physical and data link standards. In alternative embodiments,the controller 304 may receive and send commands remotely through thenetwork. Through the network, the air sampling device 100 can bemonitored and controlled remotely using networked devices andapplications, such as a processing device (smart phone, computer, etc.).The air sampling device 100 can also export event history to a removableUSB flash drive. The flash drive and USB connection terminal can beaccessed through a controller access panel 131 (FIG. 1 ) that is flatand supports the device 100 in a horizontal position. Event historyincludes sampling events, calibration events, and administrative events.In one embodiment, the device 100 can be integrated with the networksand central processing device to facilitate monitoring and control froma central location, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9285,792,9063040, 9046453, and U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2016/0061796. Thecontent of those patents and applications is hereby incorporated byreference.

Ventilation Slots 121 and Port Adapter 650

Referring to FIG. 1 , an elongated ventilation slot 121 is located atbottom rear of the upper housing body 120. The ventilation slot 121 canhave vertical members that are integrally formed with the housing 102 tocreate a plurality of slots and provide safety. An exhaust port adapter650 can optionally be provided that mates with the ventilation slots121. The adapter 650 has a base 652 and a nozzle 654. The base 652 hasthe same shape as the ventilation slot 121. The base 652 covers andcouples with the slot 121 in an airtight manner to prevent air fromleaking out of the housing 102 except through the nozzle 654. The nozzle654 projects outward from the base 652 and has a center opening thatextends through the nozzle 654 and base 652.

A tube can be attached to the nozzle 654 to transport exhausted air to aremote location outside of the clean environment. Accordingly, air fromthe upper chamber 210 is exhausted through the nozzle 654 and into thetube.

The exhaust port adapter 650 removably mates with the ventilation slots121 through an exhaust mating mechanism 656. The exhaust matingmechanism 656 can male members (such as spring-biased arms or the like)which slide into and couple with the female ventilation slots 121 andgrip the vertical supports. The exhaust nozzle 654 is exemplarily shownas a substantially cylindrical output nozzle, but may be of any shapethat allows for the attachment of tubing. In certain embodiments, theexhaust nozzle 654 may allow for the use of clamps to secure tubing andcreate an airtight seal. In other embodiments, the outside of theexhaust nozzle 654 may be ribbed and tapered to allow for tubing to forman airtight seal by being pushed against it.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the ventilationslot 121 can be an opening in the housing 102 and a separate grill canbe provided that is fastened into the slot 121 (such as by a fasteningmechanism or friction fit) and can be removed and replaced with anexhaust adapter 650.

Accordingly, the ventilation opening or slot 121 and/or the exhaust portadapter 650 allow for air passing through the air sampling device 100 toexit to the external environment. The air enters through openings in theatrium 110 at the top of the upper body 120, and exits through theventilation slot 121 at the rear of the upper body 120. The ventilationslot 121 can be positioned at the bottom part at the rear of the upperbody 120, to provide a direct and continuous air flow through thesampling device 100.

Operation - Air Flow

The operation of the air sampling device 100 will now be discussed withrespect to FIGS. 2, 3A-3D, and 10 . Operation begins when an operatorsets a sampling test parameter and presses start, or when a previouslyset test is programmed to begin (such as every 4 hours). At that point,the controller 304 starts the fan 504 or 504′ to operate. The fan 504 or504′ pulls air into the sampling device 100 via the atrium openings 112,as shown by the arrows showing the air flow 10 (FIGS. 3A and 10 ), anddraws air across the agar media plate 114, air flow arrows 12 (FIGS. 3Band 10 ). The air strikes the media plate 114 and passes around theplate 114, underneath the plate 114 (as shown in FIG. 2 , there is aspace between the bottom of the media plate 114 and the bottom 402 andalso between the bottom of the media plate 114 and the top of thesecuring member 430) and exits through the central opening 119 in theretaining assembly 400, as shown by air flow arrows 14 (FIGS. 3C and 10).

It is noted that the speed of the air entering the system through eachopening 112 is a function of the speed of the fan 504 or 504′ as well asthe diameter and number of openings 112 in the atrium 110. As air entersthe region below the openings 112 (air flow 12, FIGS. 3B and 10 ), it isredirected toward the nearest vacuum source, the central opening 119.The initial direction of air flow 10 (FIGS. 3A and 10 ), and the newdirection of the air flow 12 (FIGS. 3B and 10 ), are nearlyperpendicular. When the air is redirected, many fast-moving particleswithin the air cannot be redirected so abruptly due to their inertia.These particles roughly continue their initial direction and impinge theagar media plate 114 where the individual particles remain. The focus ofthis process is to accumulate these particles within the agar, wherethey can be analyzed at a later time. The redirected air is drawnlaterally outward across the agar-side of the agar media plate 114, overits edges, down the outside of its exterior walls, and laterally inwardacross the bottom-side of the plate 114 until it is drawn through thecentral opening 119.

Once the air flow passes through the atrium 110 (air flow 10) andretaining assembly 400 through the central opening 119 (air flow 14), itenters into the plenum 502 or 502′ situated inside the upper chamber 210of the air sampling device 100, as shown by the arrows for air flow 16(FIGS. 3C and 10 ). The air enters directly from the central opening 119into the open top end of the plenum 502 or 502′ (air flow 14). The fan504 or 504′ pushes the air through the plenum 502 or 502′ (air flow 16)until it exits the open bottom end of the plenum 502 or 502′ (air flow18). The air continues through the adapter 603 (if one is used) to theinput 602 of the mass flow meter 600. Alternatively, the measuringportion of the air is diverted through flow connection 900 to the input602′ of the mass flow meter 600′. The mass flow meter 600 or 600′constantly measures the rate of the air flow 18 and provides a measuredair flow rate signal with the detected air flow rate to the controller304. The controller 304 will continuously read the measurement signaland adjust the speed of the fan 504 or 504′ to account for anydifference between the measured air flow rate and a desired air flowrate.

The air flow continues through the mass flow meter 600 or 600′ and exitsthrough the output 604 or 604′, as shown by the arrows for air flow 20.As shown in FIGS. 3C and 10 , the air flow 20 exits the mass flow meter600 or 600′ into the upper chamber 210. As the upper chamber 210 becomespressurized (relative to ambient pressure), air is exhausted through theexhaust, e.g. ventilation slot 121 to the exterior of the device 100.The optional partition wall 125 prevents air from entering the lowerchamber 250 so that the lower chamber 250 and electronics 300 do notinterfere with the air flow. Since the motor 306 is part of the fanassembly 504, it does not need to be cooled. The exhausted air exits theair sampling device 100 substantially parallel to the orientation atwhich it entered in order to maintain laminar flow within theenvironment. It is exhausted outside of the sampling device 100 and thehousing 102 through the ventilation slot 121 at the rear of the upperchamber 210. In an alternative embodiment, a plenum or tube can connectthe output 604 or 604′ of the mass flow meter 600 or 600′ to theventilation slot 121.

As shown in the alternative exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3D, an exhaustplug can replace or be attached to the ventilation slot 121 so that theair flow 20 is exhausted through the port adapter 650. A tube can beconnected to the nozzle 654 of the port adapter 650 to transport the airto a remote location outside the clean environment, where it is finallydisposed or exhausted. Thus, air passes through the ventilation slot 121and/or the port adapter 650 and is redirected into the attached tubing.

It is noted that the sampling device 100 and its various components, areshown to have a generally cylindrical shape. For instance, the atrium110, retaining assembly 400, top plate 420, bottom plate 402, mediaplate 114, securing member 430, and blower assembly 212 are allcylindrical. It will be appreciated that the invention does not need tobe configured to be cylindrical or circular, and that other shapes canbe provided within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The description uses several geometric or relational terms, such ascircular, rounded, tapered, parallel, perpendicular, concentric, arc,and flat. In addition, the description uses several directional orpositioning terms and the like, such as top, bottom, left, right, up,down, inner, and outer. Those terms are merely for convenience tofacilitate the description based on the embodiments shown in thefigures. Those terms are not intended to limit the invention. Thus, itshould be recognized that the invention can be described in other wayswithout those geometric, relational, directional or positioning terms.In addition, the geometric or relational terms may not be exact. Forinstance, walls may not be exactly perpendicular or parallel to oneanother but still be considered to be substantially perpendicular orparallel because of, for example, roughness of surfaces, tolerancesallowed in manufacturing, etc. And, other suitable geometries andrelationships can be provided without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

In addition, the sampling device 100 includes operation by a one or moreprocessing devices, such as the controller 304. It is noted that theprocessing device can be any suitable device, such as a processor,microprocessor, PC, tablet, smartphone, or the like. The processingdevices can be used in combination with other suitable components, suchas a display device (monitor, LED screen, digital screen, etc.), memoryor storage device, input device (touchscreen, keyboard, pointing devicesuch as a mouse), wireless module (for RF, Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi,Zigbee, etc.). Information operated on or output by the processingdevice may be stored on a hard drive, flash drive, on a CD ROM disk oron any other appropriate data storage device, which can be located at orin communication with the processing device. The entire process isconducted automatically by the processing device, and without any manualinteraction. Accordingly, unless indicated otherwise the process canoccur substantially in real time without any delays or manual action.

Within this specification, the terms “substantially” and “about” meanplus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even morepreferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way whichenables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it isintended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variouslycombined or separated without departing from spirit and scope of theinvention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferredfeatures described herein are applicable to all aspects of the inventiondescribed herein.

The air sampling device 100 is especially useful for use in a controlledenvironment. It can be made of materials that are suitable for use in acontrolled environment. However, the sampling device 100 can be utilizedin other environments.

The foregoing description and drawings should be considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention maybe configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not intended to belimited by the preferred embodiment. Numerous applications of theinvention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, itis not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosedor the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, allsuitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope of the invention.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. An air sampling device for sampling air in acontrolled environment, comprising: a housing body having a top with anopening and a side, said housing body being configured to retain asampling device at the top of said housing body about said opening; aplenum having a longitudinal housing with an open top end and an openbottom end, said open top end being coupled to the top of the housingbody about said opening such that said longitudinal axis of said plenumis substantially coaxial with said opening whereby said plenum is inflow communication with said opening; a mass flow meter having an inputand an output, said input coupled to the open bottom end of saidlongitudinal housing of said plenum such that the mass flow meter is indirect flow communication with said plenum; and a blower disposed insideof said longitudinal housing of said plenum and configured to draw airpast the sampling device, through the opening, through the plenum, andthrough the mass flow meter, thereby allowing the air to move downlongitudinally in the plenum.
 24. The air sampling device of claim 23,wherein said housing body has a vent to exhaust air from the output ofsaid mass flow meter.
 25. The air sampling device of claim 24, furthercomprising a vent adapter configured to removably couple with said vent,said vent adapter having a nozzle configured to couple with a tubing toexhaust air from the output of said mass flow meter into the tubing to aremote location.
 26. The air sampling device of claim 23, furthercomprising a processing device that receives a detected flow rate fromsaid mass flow meter and controls a speed of said blower in response tothe detected flow rate.
 27. The air sampling device of claim 23, furthercomprising an atrium coupled to said housing body to enclose thesampling device.
 28. The air sampling device of claim 23, wherein saidhousing body has one or more adjustable clips to engage the samplingdevice.
 29. The air sampling device of claim 23, wherein said housingbody and said longitudinal housing of said plenum are cylindrical andsaid opening is circular.
 30. An air sampling device for sampling air ina controlled environment, comprising: a housing body having upper andlower chambers, said upper and lower chambers being divided by apartition in the housing body; an opening at a top of said upper chamberof said housing body; a retaining member configured to retain a samplingdevice, said retaining member being located at the top of said upperchamber of said housing body about said opening; a plenum being disposedin said upper chamber of said housing body; said plenum having a housingwith a top end and opposite bottom end, said plenum defining alongitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axisof said housing body, said top end being coupled to the top of saidupper chamber of said housing body about said opening thereof such thatsaid longitudinal axis of said plenum is substantially coaxial with saidopening, whereby said plenum is in flow communication with said opening;a mass flow meter having an input and an output, said input beingcoupled to the bottom end of said plenum such that the mass flow meteris in direct flow communication with said plenum; a blower locatedinside of said plenum and configured to draw air past the samplingdevice, through the opening, through the plenum, and through the massflow meter, thereby allowing the air to move down longitudinally in theplenum; and a processing device located in the lower chamber of thehousing body, the processing device being configured to receive adetected flow rate from said mass flow meter and control a speed of theblower in response to the detected flow rate.
 31. The air samplingdevice of claim 30, wherein said processing device is configured to logsampling events, calibration events, and/or administrative events. 32.The air sampling device of claim 31, said processing device is incommunication with a remote network and communicating the samplingevents, calibration events, and administrative events to the remotenetwork.
 33. The air sampling device of claim 30, wherein said housingbody has a vent to exhaust air from the output of said mass flow meter.34. The air sampling device of claim 33, wherein said vent is located inthe upper chamber of said housing body and a tube is coupled to the ventto transport the air to a location outside of the clean room.
 35. Theair sampling device of claim 34, wherein the vent is an elongatedventilation slot located at or near a bottom of the upper chamber of thehousing body.
 36. The air sampling device of claim 30, wherein thehousing body includes a handle.
 37. A method for sampling air in acontrolled environment comprising: actuating a blower at an inside of achamber of a housing body to draw air across a media plate located at anoutside of the housing body, passing the air linearly along alongitudinal axis of said housing body directly to a mass flow meter;detecting at the mass flow meter, a flow rate of the air; controlling ata processing device, a speed of said blower in response to the detectedflow rate; and directing the air from the chamber of the housing body toa location outside of the controlled environment to preventcontamination of the controlled environment.
 38. The method of claim 37,wherein the processing device increasing the speed of said blower if thedetected flow rate is lower than a desired flow rate, and decreasing thespeed of said blower if the detected flow rate is higher than a desiredflow rate.